White House Unveils Excited First Pup

April 14, 2009

By HUMA KHAN

Economy, what economy? President Obama put serious issues behind for a few minutes this evening when he joined his wife and two daughters to unveil the much-anticipated first pup that has grabbed headlines for months.

"He's a star," Obama said of the family's new dog Bo. "He's got star quality."

A visibly excited Bo, surrounded by clicking cameras, ran around the White House south lawn with Malia Obama, 10. Bo, a Portuguese water dog, was specifically chosen by the Obamas because the breed is hypoallergenic, and Malia is allergic.

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"I finally got a friend, it took some time," the president joked to the press. "We're very pleased with Bo."

As Bo traversed through the White House south lawn, 7-year-old Sasha Obama commented that she thought it was funny the breed had to be taught how to swim, given their name.

The president said the newest family member will be allowed in the Oval Office but not in his bed. When asked whether he would walk the dog, first lady Michelle Obama commented that they would all take turns walking Bo.

If the past few months are any indication, Bo is likely to stay in the spotlight while the Obamas are in the White House. But what kind of pressure is that going to exert on him?

"One of the great things about the 'portie' [the nickname for the Portuguese water dog] is that it is a very adaptable breed, so once the dog gets into a new situation or a new home, as long as he has a routine and everyone is consistent on how to handle and train the dog, it will thrive, it won't be a big issue with him," said Lisa Peterson, spokesperson for the American Kennel Club.

"One of the things I didn't anticipate is the level of the excitement about the dog. I knew my kids were excited. They've been excited for years. They've even calmed down, because they feel like, 'They said we're going to get one, so let's just shut up about it,'" she said.

Because Bo is not from a shelter, the president will donate money to the Humane Society.

Bo's first owners in Washington returned the pup to the breeder, Dallas/Ft. Worth-based Amigo Portuguese Water Dog Kennels, because he did not turn out to be a good fit for the family.

"They're not for everybody. They're 'in your face' dogs," said Art Stern, co-owner of the kennel.